How You Can Apply for a Governor’s Pardon in California

If you have been convicted of a crime in California, you may be eligible for a Governor’s Pardon. This is something that is granted to those who have demonstrated good behavior after their conviction. Governors pardon very few crimes, but they have still been known to occur historically. Even if you are eligible for a pardon with the help of your attorney, this does not automatically mean that it will happen. To be eligible in the first place, you must have been discharged from probation or parole for 10 years with no criminal activity.

Things a Governor’s Pardon Does and Does Not Do

Here are things that a governor’s pardon does do:

Allows a felon to serve on a jury trial

Allows restoration of firearm rights

Allows some sex offenders to be relieved of duty to register online

Here are some things that governor’s pardons do not do:

Seal or erase a record of conviction

Allow a pardoned individual to state that they have no record of conviction on an employment application

Restore ability to own a firearm to somebody whose felony involved the use of a dangerous weapon

Pardon convictions from another state

Prevent all deportations

The Process of Being Pardoned

If you believe that you are eligible for a governor’s pardon, there are some steps that you must take. You will actually be applying for a certificate of rehabilitation in California, which can usually be obtained from the court clerk or probation department. Your attorney will be able to help you with this. Once the petition is filed, your case will be investigated by the district attorney and a hearing will be scheduled. If they determine that you are eligible for the certificate of rehabilitation, it will automatically become an application for a pardon. Even if you receive the certificate, it does not mean that you will be guaranteed a pardon. This is something that must be determined.

Because the process can be confusing and you may need legal help along the way, you may require our assistance to help you with your case. Call us at The Law Office of Peter Blair today for more information on how we can help you.